Joe McKnight, once the top recruit in the nation and a standout running back at USC, was killed in a shooting on Thursday near his hometown in Terrytown, Louisiana.
McKnight, 28, had a four year NFL career and was playing in the Canadian Football League this season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was shot and killed in a dispute at an intersection in Terrytown, a New Orleans suburb, at around 3 p.m. CT.
Most learned of McKnight's death on Thursday evening and many former teammates, current Trojans, friends and Louisiana natives in the football world took to Twitter to mourn his killing.
Cardinals defensive back and Louisiana native Tyrann Mathieu:
Damn RIP Joe McKnight. Killed in his own city, #504Boys4Life
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 1, 2016
Everybody in the world wanted to be @ReggieBush , us in New Orleans wanted to run the ball like Joe McKnight.
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 1, 2016
Former USC running back Reggie Bush:
RIP my brother Joe McKnight this one hurts bad
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) December 1, 2016
Former Jets teammate Antonio Cromartie:
Just got a message saying my former teammate Joe McKnight was killed today. This hurt to the heart. I can't stop crying. #RestInPeace
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) December 1, 2016
The New York Jets:
Rest in peace, Joe McKnight.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 1, 2016
Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/vtEihPomt9
Miami Dolphins wide receiver and Louisiana native Jarvis Landry:
Man that's crazy RIP Joe McKnight..
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) December 1, 2016
Former Jets teammate Damien Woody:
Damn...just reading the news about Joe McKnight! Just senseless violence man, great teammate & sense of humor. Rest in power....
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 1, 2016
Former USC safety Su'a Cravens:
Rest In Peace to one of my all time favorite Trojans Joe McKnight ... Gone way too soon and I'll pray for your family! Sad man, just sad.
— Su'a Cravens (@Sua_Cravens) December 1, 2016
Current USC star Adoree' Jackson:
RIP to a SC legend ! Joe McKnight 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/7pa3iaaBGN
— Adoree' Jackson (@AdoreeKnows) December 1, 2016
Chiefs teammate Tamba Hali:
WE TRAGICALLY LOST OUR BROTHER. RIP TO JOE MCKNIGHT. MY CONDOLENCES TO JOE'S FAM https://t.co/Q1GGqr6Gzn#ILOVEYOUMAN#FOREVERMISSED#RIP
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) December 1, 2016
USC and New York Jets legend Keyshawn Johnson:
RIP to former Trojan and NY Jet, Joe McKnight. Man this s--- has got to STOP
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) December 1, 2016
Current LSU linebacker and former John Curtis High School standout Duke Riley:
No man!! Not you Joe!! Why!! You was everything to me man!! You the reason I am who I am, the only person I wanted to be like!
— Duke Riley (@1Goal1Dream) December 1, 2016
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram:
Heart hurts to hear about Joe McKnight. Prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in heaven brother #RIP#StopTheViolence
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) December 1, 2016
USC coach Clay Helton:
Saddens me to hear the news about Joe McKnight. Our prayers go out to the McKnight family.
— Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) December 1, 2016
LSU coach Ed Orgeron:
I am deeply saddened by the senseless passing of Joe McKnight today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Coach Ed Orgeron (@Coach_EdOrgeron) December 1, 2016
Rams running back Todd Gurley:
RIP Joe McKnight! Something has to change this ain't righ, his family is in my prayers. #StopTheViolence
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) December 1, 2016
